un: alberich

[icepatch]

[Kaeya raised his hand in greeting and with a broad smile.]

Hello, everyone. For those who don't know, I'm Kaeya Alberich.

I just wanted to make an announcement. We don't have a date set quite yet, but Diluc Ragvindr and I will be opening a tavern of our own called Before Sunrise.

It will be located --

[THUD.

Kaeya started, shoulders hunching up and the video jerking in response to his surprise. He had no more than those two seconds of surprise and didn't even get to look at what caused the ruckus before an incredibly loud falcon cry was heard.

Kaeya let out a very undignified shriek of his own and the video flipped wildly as Kaeya tumbled right off the engawa he was sitting on. There's another audible thud as he hits the ground followed by a slightly pained groan. The device managed to land upright and said falcon was looking down at it with a tilt of its head.]

Comments

[video] un: housependeryn

[historicallyloaded]

Ah— Mister Alberich, are you alright? That looks and sounds distinctly like a hawk. Some species are capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour what which they use to clobber their prey through sheer blunt force.

Usually um... to the back of the head like that. Resulting in concussions. And the like.

Please do say something if you think you're experiencing any symptoms of brain damage.

[icepatch]

Aqila didn't hit me in the back of the head.

[Kaeya sounded off to the side of the device, still getting up off face planting the ground and rubbing his nose with a soft curse. There's a muttered, ugh, it's not broken, at least and then he's reaching over to take the device off the ground.]

She's a falcon, not a hawk.

[He had a soft abrasion on his nose, nothing serious. He then pointed the device at said falcon, who stood patiently on the engawa.]

She landed there, not on me. She knows better than to think I'm prey anyway, don't you Aqila.

[She gave a much softer cry at him and he reached over to stroke to chest feathers. She let him, obviously familiar with him.]

[historicallyloaded]

A falcon—my apologies Miss Aqila.

[ He thought he knew that stock sound effect but Kaeya's a smart and prodigious fellow with good fashion sense, and seems more than acquainted with the raptor. He's still visibly concerned as he cants his head around the screen but if he says he's alright... ]

Was she just that enthusiastic for your joint business venture announcement?

[icepatch]

No, I think she just arrived. Hold, please.

[Kaeya set the device down for the moment, letting Aqila looking down at the camera curiously. She let out another cry, flapping her wings at it for a moment and then settling because there was a person on this! How strange.

Kaeya came back only a few seconds later with a sturdy glove on his right hand. He held it out to her and she hopped on. It was probably still a little thin, but her talons didn't pierce the material so it should do for now ]

I think she was looking for Diluc, but saw me instead. Alright, up we go. She's familiar with the both of us, although Diluc is the one who trained her. I just give her vittles which is probably why she detoured to me. You're hungry, aren't you, my dear? Let's see what we have inside.

[Gave her food and earned Diluc's endless ire for it.]

[historicallyloaded]

[ He leans forward, nose practically to the screen to take in as much of the majestic bird as he can. The poor quality of these devices leaves much to the imagination but seeing her moving in proximity to Kaeya still manages to be more captivating than a picture in a book or from a pitiful distance at a carnival. Also, safety first is appreciated—Kaeya also manages to avoid being chastised for improper handling at risk of his hands. ]

No wonder she came to you. Food is such a powerful motivator.

[ Anyway, now it is a time for a barrage of excited questions. ]

Is she heavy? Can she snatch things on command? Is she soft? Does Diluc train anything else?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya was a little amused at the sudden barrage of questions.]

I wouldn't say she's all that heavy, I suppose. Yes, she can snatch things on command. She is very soft. No, Diluc does not.

[With one hand, Kaeya opened up the fridge to find some steak to cut up. It was initially going to be used for a another Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt but alas, this was a greater cause. Diluc can handle having one less steak in his pile of meat and cheese. Although, he was going to need two hands to cut it so he set her down on the table. There was a cloth a vase on it, so after maneuvering that a bit, hopefully her talons won't damage the wood too badly.]

I suppose you could say he used to train horses but that was when he was a cavalry captain in the Knights and even then, we're responsible for our own horses most of the time. He has since resigned and I've taken that position. I actually have a lovely black mare here in the stables in Higashiyama.

[historicallyloaded]

[ He's attentive even as the camera shakes around until it stops, settled on the table.

Oh he's getting all the hot goss now. He didn't expect this. He gets comfortable, flopping on his stomach and propping himself up with both palms to his chin. ]

Horses are a bit of a luxurious commodity where I'm from. Primarily we use goats for menial everyday labor. I'd love to see your stable.

And, ah— Wouldn't peg Mister Ragnvindr as the sort but I suppose a history with a cavalry is consistent with his sword proficiency. Did you know he threatened me once at sword point?

[ He suspects Diluc must have told Kaeya about that by now, but, maybe he didn't! ]

[icepatch]

I don't own the stable, just the horse. I pay rent to the owner to allow her to be housed there as my home has no room for her.

[Aqila leaned over at the camera because of the talking coming out of it as Kaeya pulled out the meat and get the cutting board and knife ready. He set down a plate at the table along with the other prep work tools. He then reached over to prop the camera up. Quality was poor but hey, it was something and Kaeya had no experience with smartphones.]

Hah, yes, I did. He told me about it after, I'm sure you were in for a fright.

[He laughed as he got to work, setting the newly shorn pieces onto the extra plate for Aqila to begin gobbling up.]

He was captain at 14 and has been using a claymore for even longer.